Off-White Clothing Is Making A Serious Comeback - Here's How To Make It Work

If core fashion principles apply — and they certainly should — we all have approximately six months to wear as much white as possible. But will we? That's always the question when it comes to white, and most men's obvious discomfort with wearing it on a relatively consistent basis. For most, it comes across as a daunting task, one that requires grace, fearlessness, and the ability to not spill anything on yourself for at least a few hours out of the day. The apprehension of that alone is enough to scare the lion's share of men away for good.

Luckily there is an alternative to these summer white woes, and it's as simple as knocking the bleached shade down a notch or two. Much like a younger sibling or the second of fraternal twins, off-white isn't that far gone from its big brother. In fact, lighter shades of off-white don't differ much from white at all. But even the most minute detail can land an experimental fashion case square in the midst of a much needed comfort zone.

The RootOff-white has been deemed the “it” color of the season. It's cool, fresh, and far from the conformity of simply wearing white. Much of this infatuation with the endearing tone began indirectly with the emergence of Off-White, a progressive, high-end streetwear label birthed by Virgil Abloh, fashion purveyor and creative director for Kanye West. Abloh — among those on the short list for the coveted 2015 LVHM Award — pensively patterns this label for our current cultural climate, changing from season to season with its basics planted firmly on its wide ranging consumers.

Debuting in Spring/Summer 2014 with a men's line to a newly introduced women's collection this season, Off-White features the tone greatly but isn't exclusive to it. Growth in the off-white allure rose quickly, with everyone including Kanye West, Drake, Kylie Jenner, Rihanna and the royal ones, Jay Z and Beyonce, seen in not only Abloh's new line, but off-white focused wardrobe findings generally.

Virgil had ignited the flame, and the industry undoubtedly took notice. Soon thereafter the runway was engulfed with off-white styling from head to toe. Labels in a similar vein like Stampd, Aime Leon Dore, and Kith all gravitated towards the tone, while high-end designers showed a similar affinity.

Jil Sander, River Island, Calvin Klein, All Saints, Club Monaco and plenty others debuted charming looks based in cream, beige and ivory hues. What's more, their visual aids on the runway helped strip away the often dejecting theory that piecing together what seems to be a intimidating risk that much more inculpable.

Tops/BottomsFrom top to bottom, this darkened shade of white can really and truly reinvent your spring look. Start by playing with the many aforementioned shades of off-white. Think in terms of the tried and true Canadian tuxedo. Not necessary with regards to mixing textures — although that can work too — but vary tonal tops and bottoms that compliment one another.

Take a cream tee and pair that with slim fit tonal denim. You can also go left with a crisp oxford shirt, shorts (just slightly above the knee), and slip-ons or loafers; a look that vocalizes comfort and confidence effortlessly. Also, don't be afraid of light layers. A trench coat, bomber jacket, or crew can take a simple look up a few notches with just a diminutive amount of resolve.